Awards and Citations 2001-2002

Each year as part of the Canadian Red Cross Annual General Meeting, awards are presented to recognize exemplary programs, fundraising initiatives and partners. The highest distinction-the Order of Red Cross-is also presented to volunteers and other individuals for their outstanding humanitarian service, dedication and achievements.

The following awards were given for 2001-2002:

Fundraising Awards

The Over-the Top Citation is a tribute to the Zone, which attained 100 %, or more of its fund raising campaign targets, excluding revenue from domestic and international relief appeals.
Recipient: Western Zone

In order to recognize the efforts of the Society's fundraisers in their commitment to raising money for international disaster relief, the Solferino Award is presented to the zone that shows the highest per capita revenues from public fund raising for the international work of the Society in the past year.
Recipient: Ontario Zone

The Henry-Dunant Award is given to the zone showing the highest per capita revenues from public fund raising for the Society's work in international development and disaster preparedness.
Recipient: Ontario Zone

Humanitarian Service Awards

The Humanitarian Service Awards are presented to community initiatives which exemplify the use of Society resources to enhance the capacity of a vulnerable group to cope effectively with threats to their survival and safety, their security and well-being, or their human dignity. This year we are honouring several deserving initiatives.

Red Cross Youth in Action - Atlantic Zone
In recent years, we have seen the resurgence of youth programs in Glovertown, Newfoundland. Despite a decline in membership in youth clubs across the country, under the leadership of Barbara Penny, Glovertown's youth club now has grown to include more than 100 members. These students have also convinced their parents to join in Red Cross fundraising activities and have sought community partners.

Summit of the Americas - Quebec Zone
The Quebec Zone heeded the call to provide first aid services in a potentially volatile situation. As the preferred partner of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Public Security, they partnered with the City of Quebec and 13 surrounding municipalities, with emergency response teams ready to open 13 shelters if needed. This complex response effort has led to the establishment of new training programs to be used in times of civil strife.

Remembering When Program - Ontario Zone (Region of Peel)
When research showed that people over the age of 65 are twice as likely to be injured or killed than the average person, Red Cross began promoting both fall prevention and fire prevention messages through their existing Link to Health program. The Adult Injury Prevention Network, which includes 11 community agencies and is chaired by the Red Cross, delivered a fun-filled day for the seniors that included seminars, information booths, lunch and entertainment. Veterans' Affairs and Health Canada funded the program so that it was free of charge to participants. More such days are already planned for the future.

Family Support Program - Western Zone
The Lower Mainland Region of B.C.'s Family Support Program-developed in cooperation with the B.C. Children's hospital-helps meet the needs of family members of seriously ill children who must travel from their homes to Vancouver for advanced medical treatment. Red Cross assists with accommodation, food and personal items for family members, so they can focus entirely on the needs of their sick children. Red Cross is an important support system for many of these people who arrive at B.C. Children's Hospital with only the clothes on their backs and no place to stay.

Assistance Program to People in Mourning - Quebec Zone
This personalized service aims to help anyone in the Quebec City area who has plunged into mourning, particularly those who are more vulnerable due to their age, limited mobility, ethnic origin or isolation. The program's main objective is to prevent or relieve further suffering and help those who have lost someone to resume a more normal life. Trained teams assist the bereaved with the burdensome administrative, financial or legal processes that often follow the death of a loved one.

Ability Diversity Volunteer Integration Program - Ontario Zone
(Region of York)
This program focuses on a group of people in the region who fall through the gaps in terms of service, due to their disabilities. Often these individuals have limited personal, community and financial resources, which also extend to their caregivers. They sometimes find themselves without the opportunities to gain social and practical skills - and become isolated from their communities. Program participants develop the necessary job skills not normally learned in schools and through social agencies. The participants support the Home Health Equipment Service, Disaster Services, Youth Action Council, First Aid and Water Safety. Their contribution to these programs is measured and evaluated regularly.

S.O.S. Program - Quebec Zone
The S.O.S. program was designed to bring crisis assistance to the residents of Greater Montreal who have low incomes and no insurance coverage. Through a partnership with several local insurance companies and other partners, Red Cross is able to provide these people with essential items during their time of need. This innovative partnership will undoubtedly lead to further expansion of the program.

Personal Emergency Response Device System Program - Ontario Zone
The city of Kawartha Lakes has the third highest seniors population in the country. What can worry families the most is the threat of an unexpected medical emergency for these older adults. Red Cross in partnership with a local business, Lifecall, has installed a safety device that connects seniors to a 24-hour a day answering service. This program, which receives financial assistance from United Way, provides with the peace of mind in knowing their loved ones are safe.

Citations

Avalanche Program - Quebec Zone
In the Quebec Zone, where the northern communities of Blanc Sablon, Bonne Esperance, St. Augustin and La Tabatiere are at risk for avalanches. If an avalanche strikes one of these small, isolated villages on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, they must be self-sufficient for the first 24 hours, before outside help arrives. Red Cross has trained community members to set up and operate a shelter and deliver other necessities to evacuees. They also ensure that an avalanche expert monitors the threat of such a calamity.

Operation Grounded - Atlantic Zone
Few of us will ever forget September 11, 2001 and certainly not the Atlantic Zone who were called into immediate action when 23,000 airline passengers landed on their doorstep. The unexpected arrivals included the elderly, frail, babies, people with medical problems and many who did not speak English. Many had waited for hours inside grounded airplanes. They only were allowed to take their carry on baggage with them. Red Cross helped shelter, provided entertainment and comforted these people and registered more than 17,600.

Dine n' Shine Program - Atlantic Zone
Some children don't have a hearty breakfast in the morning. The reasons can vary from the poor income of some families to the hectic schedules of others who may leave home too early in the morning. Red Cross in Charlottetown, PEI, found a way to respond to the situation without stigmatizing the needy children. Breakfast is served to ALL students in participating schools. Through the use of games and playing cards, the children and the volunteers are encouraged to interact. The program is done in partnership with local service clubs, businesses and volunteers.

Gabrielle Moule
Red Cross would like to thank a very special volunteer for her incomparable commitment to the Red Cross. For the last two years, Gabriel Moule has taken on the hectic demands of being our National Director of Volunteer Resources. She led our participation in International Year of the Volunteers and spearheaded many other new initiatives during her tenure. She divided herself between a home office in Kitchener and our National Office in Ottawa. We have been extremely fortunate to have such a dedicated and energetic volunteer provide us with her expertise and leadership. Fortunately for the Red Cross, Gabrielle will remain on as National Advisor.

Youth Mine Action Ambassador Program (YMAAP)
Now in its fifth year, this unique program makes an exceptional contribution to the campaign to ban the use of landmines through its efforts to educate Canadians of all ages about the complexities of the landmine issue. The Youth Ambassadors have made a significant impact in articulating and exemplifying the leadership and collaborative efforts that both the Canadian government and non‑governmental organizations have initiated.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade -ILX unit
The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) - ILX unit has supported the Youth Mine Action Ambassador Program. DFAIT’s support in the campaign to ban landmines has been instrumental in placing this important issue on Canada's foreign policy agenda.

Mines Action Canada
The Canadian Red Cross acknowledges the sustained collaboration of the team at Mines Action Canada for their work and commitment to the Youth Mine Action Ambassador Program (YMAAP) and to the partnership with the Canadian Red Cross to eradicate the use of landmines around the world. Mine Action Canada’s ongoing support in the campaign to ban landmines is recognized.

La ministère de la Sécurité publique du Québec
Since 1989, the Red Cross has been a partner of the ministère de la Sécurité publique du Québec. In the event of emergencies or disasters, Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between Red Cross and the ministère de la Sécurité publique du Québec are in place. These MOUs outline the services to be delivered by Red Cross and the management of emergency equipment under the responsibility of the ministre de la Sécurité publique. This partnership serves as an excellent example of a partnership between the public service and the Red Cross.

BBDO Montreal
BBDO Montreal helped the Canadian Red Cross engage in an advertising campaign.

As a result of BBDO Montreal’s commitment, strategic research, creative work and support, the Canadian Red Cross was able to engage in an outdoor advertising campaign in six Canadian centres, produce a television Public Service Announcement, and develop a new national slogan “Anywhere. Anytime”.

Prix d'Excellence

This award aims to recognize the outstanding and innovative accomplishments of volunteers involved in direct service delivery. It can be given to any branch, region zone or service. Each zone is limited to one nomination each year. The initiative should reflect the changing trends in volunteering and the partnerships with other organizations that are formed because of the program.

The three nominees were:

Fast Forty - Ontario Zone
The Ottawa Branch's Fast Forty program offers young people a chance to get involved with the Red Cross while at the same time helping to complete the 40 hours of community service needed to get their high school diploma. The students choose from six packages that include different programs. Working with YouCan!, a national non-profit charity adds to the learning opportunity. What is really remarkable about this program is that almost all participants remain as volunteers after their 40 hours are completed.

Premises and Grounds Volunteer Initiative - Western Zone
Premises and Grounds Volunteer Initiative in Victoria, where volunteers help strengthen the organization both inside and out. These volunteers come to the Red Cross to obtain a school credit or as part of a work incentive program or through other means. Sometimes the Red Cross is asked by a local agency or group home to provide an opportunity to someone with special needs. The volunteers either garden and clean the outside of the building or work inside, providing reception, receipting, special events coordination, fundraising and other duties. Links have been forged with Volunteer Victoria, the John Howard Society and other local agencies. Whether inside or out, they make the Victoria office a better, brighter place.

Summit of the Americas - Quebec Zone
During the Summit of the Americas from April 18 to 22, 2001, the Quebec Zone provided first aid to demonstrators outside the secure zone, with more than 90 volunteers making themselves available day and night. Assistance ranged from treating minor injuries such as cuts, sprains, burns and reactions to tear gas, to arranging for ambulance transport for the more seriously injured. Emergency response teams were also on standby to open 13 shelters if needed. Partnerships were strengthened with the Ministère de la Sécurité Civile du Québec, the Régie Régionale de la Santé et des Services Sociaux and the municipalities surrounding Quebec City.

The winner of the Prix d'Excellence is the Ottawa Branch's Fast Forty program.

Order of Red Cross

Citation for Howard Taylor

	Robert Barnes presents Howard Taylor with his Order of the Red Cross citation.

Howard Taylor has a long history of dedicated support to The Canadian Red Cross Society. He began his volunteer career with the Toronto Central Branch and played several leadership roles in the late 70's and early 80's, as President and then an active Past-President of the Branch. Since then, he has maintained a personal commitment to and involvement with the Society.

When the National Office was relocated from Toronto to Ottawa, Howard was called upon to negotiate the sale of the building at 95 Wellesley Street. His mother's family had donated it, their home, to Red Cross and it seemed only right that he should play a leading role in its sale. Ever the astute businessman, he drove a hard bargain, which led to a very satisfactory outcome for Red Cross.

Since then, Mr. Taylor has always made himself available offering valuable advice or acting as a knowledgeable sounding board. He is presently on the National Finance and Audit Committee of the Board of Governors and contributes an extraordinary understanding of finance. His acute business sense is ever tempered with his commitment to the Fundamental Principles and the Mission of Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

The Canadian Red Cross Society salutes Howard Taylor's dedication and commitment and is pleased to confer on him the Order of Red Cross, Member level.

Blair Graham

	Left to right: John Mulvihill, Deputy Secretary General, Canadian Red Cross; Johanne Bray, General Counsel, Canadian Red Cross; and Blair Graham with his Order of Red Cross citation.

For over seventeen years, Blair Graham has volunteered with the Canadian Red Cross. He began in a governance capacity with the Divisional Council, and he chaired their Finance Committee. His talents for leadership were recognized fully when he was elected as President of the Manitoba Division. His solid judgement and calm manner led to his sitting on the National Planning and Budget Review Committee, a task that could be both frustrating and challenging, as the committee members were charged with ensuring that the Society's budget was in line with its program plans.

When the 1997 floods hit Manitoba, a strong, impartial leader was needed to bring together the many relief groups and organizations involved in the fundraising effort. Blair approached this task with his usual confidence and good sense. This was essential in order to oversee the administration of both the emergency response and the recovery phase. Not content to just sit back and receive reports on the flood relief efforts, Blair travelled out to the flooded communities to see first-hand the devastation created by the river waters. Blair was awarded the Order of Red Cross, Member Level, as formal recognition of this remarkable work.

More recently, Mr Graham has served on the National Board of Governors for the Canadian Red Cross. Despite a busy law practice, he chairs a Committee advising and supporting improvements in the way Red Cross provides assistance to victims of man-made and natural disasters. Blair has and continues to take the lead role in advising the Board regarding its responsibilities of due diligence dealing with very complex legal and ethical issues arising from the blood tragedy of the 1980s.

Although his Board responsibilities are many, Blair still sets time aside to remain connected to the Manitoba Region, through its council meetings. This provides him an opportunity to bring a national perspective to the Region, as well as provide informed and sage advice when asked.

In recognition of his continuing dedication and commitment to the Canadian Red Cross, and to the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the Canadian Red Cross is pleased to confirm Blair Graham as an Officer of the Order of Red